Three members from Russian punk band Pussy Riot have been sentenced to two years jail in their homeland, after a Moscow court found them guilty of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.

NME reports the band – Maria Alyokhina, 24; Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22; and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 29 – received the sentence after an incident in February when they staged a flashmob style performance at Moscow’s Christ The Saviour Cathedral.

The performance was a protest against the Orthodox Christian church’s support of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Khamovnichesky Court Judge Marina Syrova said the actions of the women had “crudely undermined social order”. Upon handing down the sentance, Judge Syrova determined the women were sane and should be punished in accordance with the law. They have already been detained for five months.

A number of fellow musicians have voiced their support, including Madonna:

“I protest the conviction and sentencing of Pussy Riot to a penal colony for two years for a 40-second performance extolling their political opinions,” she said in a statement.

The news of the band members’ imprisonment has made waves with fans all over the world, including several here in Sydney, who instigated a hastily organised protest on Friday afternoon, August 17. Music Feeds was on the scene to film this video: